The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-26
OPPORTUNITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION.


Associationl The mere fact OF member
ship in such an organization Is, IN itself,
an education toward generous aDd
thoughtful consideration OF others less
favored than ourselves; an inspiration to
the study of the meaning and the mission
of the Universalist church. 1t awakens
and strengthens the sense OF individual
responsibility for the success OF our de-
nomin ational interests; and rouses to
healthy and intelligent enthusiasm, our
noblest and best efforts for the diffusion
of Bible truth, for the increase OF the
Christian ministry, and for the upbuild-
ing of the waste places of our Zion, to the
end that the uttermost parts OF the earth
shall learn to love and serve the Lord.
Under the authority of, and in sympa-
thy with the Universalist General Oon-
yention, our work is outlined, to certain
extent, though by no means limited. Be-
yond our promises of certain moneys, and
an annual account of our stewardship, we
are given the largest liberty, consistent
with Christian loyalty, as to special and
definite work. We may make ourselves
useful as an auxiliary to the church with
which we are conn ected, rendering our
aid in all beni6cent enterprises In Its
midst; and may constitute ourselves
Home Missionaries among the poor, the
sick and sorrowful of the town or city In
which we live. A few suggestions may
be acceptable to those among us who de-
sire to use ell legitimate means toward
the accomplishment OF the best results,
and the realization of the grandest posi-
bilities still latent in our Young Peoples
Missionary Associations.
1. Being banded together with the
ayowed purpose of helping to make the
world better, we should use all possible
aids toward spiritual growth among our
members. Young Peoples Conference
and Prayer Meetings, held regularly, are
among the most powerful factors In the
attainment of an earnest and sincere con-
secration Of mind, heart and soul to the
service of Christ. There should be
committee to plan the work, and choose
the leaders, and, if desirable, the subjects
for consideration. Let the young people
feel their responsibility, pledgmg them
selves to active participation in the meet
ings; and the holy influence will bless,
not only the young people, but the whole
Church. We know of one society hold
ing such conference meetings every sun
day evening. They are helpful to all who
attend; and are rousing into vigorous ac-
ton, the noblest and best aspirations for
a personal and vital conservation to the
Christian life.
Q. Then, again, we wish to work intel
ligently in this matter; and should sup
plement our public Sunday evening meet
ings, and our sessions for literary exer-
cises and social intercourse, by an occa-
sional Missionary Meeting; where the
distinctive doctrines of our church may
be noted, where its needs and its claims
upon our love and service may be ex-
planned, where some special phase OF mis-
sionary work may be discussed, where
suggestions may be interchsnged as to
methods of procedure, and where pledges
of service may be given, according to
ability and opportunity.
8. Then there are little mis- sionary SER
vices to be rendered; which because they
cost so little to give, are apt to be forgot
ten, or omitted altogether. Among the
members of our organizations are those
who can sing, those who can read; and
who have, or could make the leisure to
use their gift. By inquiry among the
church people, we shall surely learn of
some one who would feel it a blessing to
receive the ministration of kindly voice.
H. May we not also institute in our
midst a Flower Mission, whose special
committee shall be enabled to carry
brightness and beauty to weary and wait
ing souls?
s. And as we rejoice in the assurance
of Gods almighty and everlasting love,
and as we realize that some have never
heard the Bible message in its tullness,
may we not devote portion of our mon
ey toward the purchase of copies of Gods
Word, for free distribution, and for the
circulation of our UNCONVENTIONAL litera-
ture, that some soul may be blessed into
newness of life and trust, and that all who
read may feel the inspiring influence of
gospel truth ?
All, what an ever increasing amount of
good may be accomplished if we are
awake to our opportunities God has
given us the field. He calls us to his
work. And through his might we may
save souls for his service. We may speed
the day when his kingdom shall be es-
tablshed in the earth, and when the
prophecy of old shall be fulfilled, and
"every knee shall bow, and every tongue
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father" We are prom
ised to Gods service. Let us earnestly
pray and diligently work, that he may
find us faithful servants Away.
GRACE F. WHITE.
Poofoo MoeQ